The title for RCCG YAYA Sunday School Student Manual 18th August 2024 is NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH (Lesson 51).
TOPIC: New Heaven, New Earth
Memory Verse:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up."
2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE:Revelation 21:1-5
20 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
RCCG YAYA Sunday School Student Manual 18th August 2024 Outline:
- The Passing Away of The Heavens and The Earth
- Emergence of The New Heaven And The New Earth
Introduction:
In the days of Noah, the world was destroyed with water, but God has promised that He would no more destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 9:11).
The end of the world, described in 2 Peter 3:10 as the day of the Lord will occur after the final judgement by God (Revelation 20:7-10).
This scripture reveals that the universe will be destroyed by fire. Therefore, believers should bear in mind that this present world will not last forever (Matthew 5:18).
THE PASSING AWAY OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH:
The prophet Isaiah foretold the passing away of Heaven and earth (Isaiah 34:4; 51:6). This refers to the physical Heavens and earth – the material world and all it contains – but not to the inhabitants of heaven and earth. To “pass away” is to disappear or be no more.
The “heavens” in 2 Peter 3:10 refers to the physical universe – the stars, planets, and galaxies – which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and wipe out all matter as we know it. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12).
This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), a “great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV), and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be no doubt as to what is happening.
EMERGENCE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH:
In Revelation 21:1, John writes of a new heaven and a new earth in the eternal state, having seen that “the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13).
God will create a “new heaven and a new earth” which will include the “New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2), the capital city of Heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven to the new earth.
This is the city where the saints—those whose names were written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8) — will live forever. Peter refers to this new creation as “the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
Knowing that Heaven and earth will pass away gives us perspective in life. This world is not our home. “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Jesus tells us to have the proper priorities (Matthew 6:19-20).
Also, Peter, after reminding us of the temporary nature of this world, says, “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).
Conclusion:
Believers should remain faithful to the end because there is the hope of eternal life with God beyond this present world.
Questions:
- Describe how the present heavens and earth will pass away.
- Will there be a new heaven and a new earth? Explain.
Further Readings:
- Sunday: Rev. 2:7
- Monday: Rev. 2:17
- Tuesday: Rev. 3:12
- Wednesday: Isa. 65:17
- Thursday: 2 Pet. 3: 13
- Friday: Heb. 11:10
- Saturday: Heb. 13:14
ASSIGNMENT: List five (5) things you must be doing now in preparation for the new heaven and the new earth. (2×5=10 Marks).
FIVE (5) THINGS TO DO IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
Sunday School Hymn
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Jesus Trends Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come to You in humility and repentance, acknowledging my sins and my need for Your grace. Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, who died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I confess You as my Savior and Lord.
Forgive me, cleanse me with Your precious blood, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I turn away from my sinful ways and open my heart to You. Take control of my life and guide me in Your truth.
